Roles-of-LGU

Role of Local Government in Development (1972 Philippines)

Objectives

  • Identify different levels of local government.

  • Explain functions of local government units.

  • Discuss decentralization's effects on governance.

  • Assess performance of local government units.

Local Government Overview

  • Defined as the lowest elected territorial organization within a state.

  • Responsible for providing local public services and implementing national welfare policies.

  • Barangay is the basic political unit headed by an elected chairman and council members.

Role in Development

  • Declaration of Policy:

    • Local autonomy for self-reliant communities.

    • Enhanced responsibilities and resources for local government units (LGUs).

  • Responsibilities of LGUs:

    • Consultations with national agencies before project implementation.

    • Share responsibilities in ecological management.

    • Support cultural preservation, health, employment, and social justice.

Devolved Basic Services Areas

  • Agriculture

  • Health

  • Social Services

  • Environment & Natural Resources

  • Public Works

  • Tourism

  • School Building Program

Two-Fold Purpose of Local Governments

  • Dual Agency:

    • Serve as both state instrumentality and community agency.

  • Two-Fold Nature:

    • Governmental: Managing territory and populace.

    • Corporate: Administering local affairs like public markets.

Regulatory Powers of LGUs

  • Power to generate and apply resources.

  • Eminent domain authority.

  • Reclassify agricultural lands.

  • Close and open roads.

  • Inspect food products and enforce regulations.

Types of Local Government Units (LGUs)

  • Provinces

  • Cities (Component and Highly Urbanized)

  • Municipalities

  • Barangays

LGU Creation Criteria

  • Province: At least 2000 Sq. km, 250,000 in population, 20 million income.

  • City: 100 Sq. km, 150,000 population, 20 million income.

  • Municipality: 50 Sq. km, 25,000 population, 2.5 million income.

  • Barangay: Defined by permanent boundaries, 2,000 population outside Metro Manila, 5,000 within.

Historical Context

  • Decentralized governance is crucial in Philippine history.

  • Local governments evolved from colonial administrations to current governance.

  • 1991 Local Government Code empowered LGUs with specific responsibilities.

Hierarchical Structure of LGUs

  • Provinces oversee municipalities and cities; barangays are the lowest tier.

  • Local officials serve three-year terms, eligible for three consecutive terms.